After a 10-day workshop in Abidjan, Ivory Coast local team coach Kamara Ibrahim announced the names of players selected for the upcoming African Nations Championship holding in Morocco between January 13 and February 4.
An initial squad of 46 players has been reduced to the recommended 23 which will represent the local Elephants at the tournament. According to Ibrahim, the team will depart Abidjan on Wednesday for Tunisia where final preparations will take place before connecting their base in Marrakech.
Ivory Coast will play a friendly match against another qualified team, Sudan, on January 8 in Tunis.
The Elephants have been pitted against Uganda, Namibia and Zambia in Group B.
Team List
Goalkeepers
Cisse Abdoul Karim (Asec Mimosas), Zady Hortalin (Africa Sports), Sylla Mamadou (Asi D’abengourou)
Defenders
Willi Brito Dagou (AS Tanda), Diallo Kouassi Romuald (Wac), Coulibaly Wonlo (Asec Mimosas), Akassou Koutouan (Asec Mimosas), Yao Kevin (Afad), Kouakou Raoul (FC San Pedro), Diaby Souleymane (SC Gagnoa)
Midfielders
Diomande Hamed (Asec Mimosas), Brou Manasse (Afad), Zouzoua Pacome (SC Gagnoa), Essis Baudelaire (AS Tanda), Inza Diabate (FC San Pedro), Sylla Banfa (Asi D’abengourou), Angbandji Alex (Asec Mimosas)
Forwards
Togui Mel (SC Gagnoa), Diomande Mamadou (Africa Sports), Zan Bi Roland (Wac), Nguessan Bi Noel (Sewe Sport), Yao Alphonse (Asec Mimosas), Sanogo Viera (SC Gagnoa)